CHRONICLE FILE PHOTOThis iconic symbol of Muskegon draws people to Pere Marquette beach. We asked readers what it would take to get the community pulling together

When the Chronicle Editorial Board asked readers the question, “What would it take to get the Muskegon area pulling together,” we had no idea what kind of response we would get.

With the economy slowly improving and the weather setting records for all-time wonderfulness, we were baffled by the continuing flow of negative comments in the community -- especially about things that many other communities would consider welcome progress.

So, we were surprised by the outpouring of thoughtful comments readers shared at our website, mlive.com/opinion/Muskegon. It’s clear Chronicle readers are concerned about the community and the negativity that sometimes paralyzes officials and residents -- or even worse, discourages outsiders from moving their businesses or their families to our area.

Like many of our readers, Jace noted the wonderful assets of our community, while calling for tough decisions to bring about change:

Change is a scary thing, and it doesn't always work the way we want.
There will be mistakes made, and that’s okay. We just need to start
electing individuals who have the guts to go out on a limb, make some
tough decisions, and then see what grows. Not until we all truly realize
that we’re all in this together will anything change.

Some readers demanded new leadership as a way to pull the area together. lorien echoed that, adding it would take a statesman with enormous political capital:

What would it take? A community leader-statesman that can
challenge all the different governmental agencies and groups to work
together. We do not have one. Each unit wants to cooperate but they
really want to "take over" whatever service that is being discussed, as
we have seen with fire, police, and water lately. There is so much
suspicion and jealousy. Is there anyone out there with the political
capital to take on this role? The chamber is unable, no current
governmental unit leader has the capital or confidence of others. Who
can do it?

I'm personally trying to be part of the solution by getting involved.
I put in an application for the Citizen Jail Review and I'm strongly
considering running for the District 2 seat for County Commissioner.

He also called for the negativity to stop:

Insulting our community is not going to
help resolve our issues.

Readers wanted all communities to work together. Some saw that as consolidating services. But most wanted more collaboration on ideas that would move the area forward.

taxpayerabc offered this summation of what others had posted and his ideas:

I went through the comments thus far and found some core issues:

ZM "failure by many to be open to outside help and collaboration is stunningly stifling"
Staysafe "mayor and city manager tend to take the attitude that if the city isn't in charge then it can't/won't happen"
Jace "imaginary lines that break us up and in many ways that pits us
against one another –there’s no good reason for that," "Elected
officials (and public managers) need to stop defending every little
piece of turf"
psvanden "the lack of co-operation on maybe a governmental level in the county. That's a whole ego/control thing"

Ultimately these people have collaboratively worked together to identify how we move Muskegon ahead.
1.) Governments must work together
2.) LEADERSHIP must prevail to end the status quo of "mine, mine, mine."
3.) Blur the community lines within all areas (cities and townships)
countywide. Take the approach of we're all in this together. No lines
needed. (Team approach)
4.) Most of all, stop being so selfish. The top managers must be
willing to relinquish their reins but not their input. In other words,
department directors must be willing to become the head of a division,
instead of the head of the department. Follow the City of Indianapolis
model. Position elimination & combining through natural attrition
and consolidation.

We couldn't have said it better.

The Chronicle will be looking for ways to continue this conversation and hope you will join in. Building up our community should be our No. 1 goal.